History
Karate-do, meaning "empty hand way," is a time-tested martial art born on the Ryukyu Islands, now known as Okinawa, Japan. Here, self-defense techniques honed by the Okinawan people were woven together with influences from Chinese martial arts, forming the foundation of Karate. Initially, these methods were closely guarded secrets, passed down only to a select few worthy students.The early 20th century saw a shift. Karate found its way into Okinawan schools, fostering a respect for tradition alongside physical discipline. Masters like Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan, brought Karate to mainland Japan, where it flourished alongside other Budo (martial way) disciplines like Judo and Kendo.Today, millions practice Karate – men, women, and children from all walks of life. Competitive spirit thrives in national and international tournaments. Yet, the essence of Karate endures. Many styles, including Shotokan, preserve the moral codes, rigorous training methods, and self-defense principles established by our distinguished predecessors.
The Club
The Karate Club is dedicated to upholding the traditions of Shotokan Karate while embracing the spirit of progress. Our mission is to provide a welcoming environment for individuals of all ages to learn and grow through the practice of Karate-do. We aim to cultivate not only physical strength and agility but also mental fortitude and inner peace.
Japan Karate Association England (JKAE)
The club is proud to be affiliated with the Japan Karate Association England (JKAE), an organization renowned for its commitment to the highest standards of Karate training. Through our affiliation with the JKAE, our members have the opportunity to train under the guidance of experienced and qualified instructors who follow the authentic teachings of Master Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate.
Principles of Shotokan Karate
The dojo, meaning "place of training," is the heart of your Karate journey. Within its walls lies the dojo kun, a set of principles guiding behavior and fostering a positive learning environment. These principles are often displayed prominently within the dojo and sometimes recited at the end of class.The Five Pillars of the Dojo Kun:
Seek Perfection of Character:
Karate transcends mere physical techniques. Here, we cultivate inner strength through discipline and focused training. Beginners, especially the young, lay a foundation by perfecting basic techniques through repetition. As their skills grow, so too does their confidence, building the spirit to overcome challenges inside and outside the dojo – be it personal struggles or external pressures. It's a long road, but one that yields lifelong benefits of inner peace and resilience.
Loyalty:
Faithfulness to your sensei and dojo is a core principle, echoing the samurai tradition and Confucian values. Think of it as a two-way street: your unwavering commitment encourages your sensei to share a deeper well of knowledge and wisdom. This precious bond between teacher and student forms the bedrock of your learning path.
Endeavour:
Mastery demands unwavering dedication and commitment. Superficial efforts won't suffice – genuine, consistent striving is key. Your sensei will recognize and reward your sincere effort, investing more time and guidance in your growth.
Respect:
Respect for others is woven into the very fabric of Japanese and Okinawan cultures, and by extension, the martial arts. Gichin Funakoshi, a Karate pioneer, famously declared that "karate begins and ends with respect." He emphasized that courtesy forms the cornerstone of the dojo environment. This respect is expressed through proper bowing and courteous conduct in all aspects of life – towards your sensei, family, educators, and the world around you.
Self-Control:
A trained martial artist possesses strength and a competitive spirit. However, true power lies in using these gifts for good. A karate-ka's unwavering spirit is for self-defense and upholding justice, not for needless aggression. True character allows you to walk away from a fight, demonstrating control over your emotions and inner peace. Your victories lie in mastering yourself, not in inflicting harm.